Porsche 996 based 911 GT3

The Porsche 911 GT3, which is not to be confused with the other 2005 Porsche 911 since it is based on the “old” Porsche 996 platform, enters '05 as the most powerful naturally

Porsche 911 GT3

The Porsche 911 GT3, which is not to be confused with the other 2005 Porsche 911 since it is based on the “old” Porsche 996 platform, enters '05 as the most powerful naturally aspirated Porsche 911 in Porsche's lineup. Under the rear hood resides the corporate 3.6-liter flat-six engine, which makes 380 hp and 285 lb-ft of torque. All 385 ponies are sent to the rear-wheels only via a standard six-speed manual, and thus weighs about 200 pounds less that it's sibling, the Porsche 911 Carrera.

Zero to 60 comes in roughly four to four and a half seconds, and top speed is a claimed 190 mph. If your idea of a fun weekend is to thrash your 911 at a track day, then put the new Porsche 911 GT3 at the top of your wish list. After driving the Porsche 911 GT3, we described it as "the hairiest of the non-turbo Porsche 911s" and "tuned more for racetrack driving dynamics than on-road comfort."

Indeed, the Porsche 911 GT3 shares its stiff suspension with the mighty Porsche 911 GT2, making it "too stiff for anyone who isn't surrounded by smoothly paved roads." Possibly more pleasing than the scoot is the engine's sound, which we described as "enthralling and mesmerizing." The Porsche GT3 comes with a fixed rear wing, special 18-inch wheels and sport seats, and no back seat. . The Porsche GT3 makes its way into 2005 unchanged.